The day of the champions' selection dawned with an air of excitement and anticipation. Students from all three schools gathered in the Great Hall, which had been decorated with banners representing Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. The Goblet of Fire stood at the center of the hall, its blue flames flickering and casting an eerie glow.
Lilith Rosier entered the hall with the other Slytherins, her eyes scanning the room. She noticed the Durmstrang students, including Ivan and his friends, glancing at her with a mix of curiosity and unease. She smirked, recalling their previous conversation and the impression she had left on them.
Dumbledore stood at the front of the hall, his presence commanding attention. The students fell silent as he raised his hands, signaling the beginning of the selection process.
"Good evening, everyone," Dumbledore began, his voice resonating through the hall. "Tonight, we will select the champions who will represent their schools in the Triwizard Tournament. The Goblet of Fire has been enchanted to choose the most worthy candidates."
The tension in the hall was palpable as Dumbledore continued. "When your name is called, please come forward and join us at the front."
He turned to the Goblet of Fire, which began to flicker more intensely. The flames turned red, and the first piece of parchment shot out. Dumbledore caught it and read the name aloud.
"The champion for Durmstrang is... Viktor Krum!"
The Durmstrang students erupted in cheers as Viktor Krum, the famous Quidditch player, stood and made his way to the front. Lilith watched with interest, noting the pride in Krum's bearing and the respect he commanded from his peers.
The Goblet of Fire flickered again, and another piece of parchment flew out. Dumbledore caught it and read the next name.
"The champion for Beauxbatons is... Fleur Delacour!"
The Beauxbatons students cheered and applauded as Fleur Delacour, a strikingly beautiful witch, gracefully made her way to the front. Lilith observed Fleur with a critical eye, recognizing the poise and confidence that marked her as a formidable competitor.
Finally, the Goblet of Fire flickered once more, and the last piece of parchment shot out. Dumbledore caught it and read the name.
"The champion for Hogwarts is... Cedric Diggory!"
The Hufflepuff table erupted in cheers as Cedric Diggory, a popular and talented student, stood and walked to the front. Lilith noted the admiration and respect in the eyes of his fellow students.
Dumbledore smiled warmly at the three champions standing before him. "Congratulations to our champions. You will face three challenging tasks, designed to test your magical abilities, intelligence, and courage. I have no doubt that you will represent your schools with honor."
As the applause died down, Dumbledore continued, "Now, let us enjoy the feast and celebrate this momentous occasion."
The tables filled with food, and the students began to eat and talk excitedly about the upcoming tournament. Lilith, however, remained deep in thought. The selection of the champions had been predictable, but she was more interested in observing how they would handle the tasks.
As the feast continued, Lilith noticed Viktor Krum glancing in her direction. She met his gaze steadily, a small, enigmatic smile playing on her lips. Krum nodded slightly, acknowledging her, before turning back to his friends.
Lilith's thoughts were interrupted by Draco, who leaned over and whispered, "What do you think of the champions?"
"They are all capable," Lilith replied, her eyes still on Krum. "But it's not just about ability. It's about how they handle the pressure and the unexpected."
Draco nodded, clearly impressed by her insight. "This is going to be interesting."
The night wore on, and the excitement in the Great Hall remained high. Lilith continued to observe, her mind already analyzing potential strategies and weaknesses of the champions. She knew that the Triwizard Tournament would bring challenges and opportunities, and she intended to make the most of them.
As the feast came to an end, Dumbledore stood once more, calling for silence. "I wish our champions the best of luck. May the Triwizard Tournament be a testament to your skill, bravery, and determination. Good night to you all."
The students began to disperse, heading back to their dormitories. Lilith walked with Draco, her mind still buzzing with thoughts of the tournament. She knew that the coming months would be filled with excitement and danger, and she was ready to embrace whatever came her way.
That evening, Lilith sat in the Slytherin common room, watching the flames dance in the fireplace. The room was quiet, with only a few students scattered around, engaged in their own conversations or reading by the firelight. The flickering light cast long shadows on the stone walls, adding to the cozy yet eerie atmosphere.
Lilith's mind was still buzzing from the events of the day. The selection of the Triwizard champions had gone as expected, but what lingered in her thoughts was the way Dumbledore had kept eyeing her throughout the entire ceremony. She could feel his gaze on her, scrutinizing, as if he were trying to peer into her very soul. It unsettled her in a way few things could.
She leaned back in her chair, her eyes never leaving the fire. The flames reminded her of the power she wielded, the control she had over the magic that flowed through her. Yet, Dumbledore's gaze had made her feel exposed, vulnerable even. It was a feeling she despised.
Draco sat across from her, seemingly lost in thought as well. He glanced up and caught her eye. "You're quiet tonight," he remarked, his tone casual but curious.
Lilith shrugged, forcing a smile. "Just thinking about the tournament. It's going to be quite the spectacle."
Draco nodded, but his eyes held a hint of concern. "You seemed distracted during the feast. Something on your mind?"
She hesitated, wondering if she should share her unease about Dumbledore. But she knew better than to show any sign of weakness. "Just tired, I suppose. It's been a long day."
Draco accepted her answer with a nod and returned to his book. Lilith turned her attention back to the fire, her mind racing. What did Dumbledore suspect? And more importantly, how much did he know?
She knew she had to be more careful. Her time with Bellatrix had honed her skills and hardened her resolve, but it had also made her more dangerous. She thrived on chaos and power, and her increasingly erratic behavior could easily draw unwanted attention.
As the flames flickered, she thought about the upcoming tasks in the Triwizard Tournament. They would provide a perfect distraction, a chance to observe the champions and maybe even manipulate events to her advantage. She would need to be cunning, careful, and above all, keep Dumbledore's suspicions at bay.
The common room slowly emptied as students retired for the night. Lilith remained by the fire, her mind still turning over her thoughts. She couldn't shake the feeling that Dumbledore was watching her, waiting for her to slip up. But she was determined not to give him that satisfaction.
Finally, she stood and made her way to her dormitory. As she lay in bed, the flickering flames of the common room fire danced in her mind, mingling with thoughts of power, control, and the ever-watchful eyes of Dumbledore. She knew that the months ahead would be challenging, but she thrived on challenges. And she was determined to come out on top, no matter the cost.
Unknown to her, or most for that matter. The Goblet of fire produced another name later that night.